Heel protectors

Abstract

In order to prevent heel ulcers and Achilles' tendon ulcers as described above, a sock with a gelfoam pad or other supporting material in the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area is slid into an outside pocket of a sock. In one embodiment, a circle-shaped or oval-shaped hole is formed in the gelfoam pad in the region of the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area to relieve pressure on these areas. Non-slip material is also affixed to the sole of the sock. These socks are easily removed. Two pairs may be used for a patient such that the inserts may be removed from one for to the other so that one could be washed while the other is being used. In addition, the socks may be placed underneath the cast or on a knee immobilizer or on any bed-ridden patient at any hospital to prevent the serious problems described above.

1 . An apparatus for prevent pressure ulcers on patients comprising:
 a sock adapted to fit around a human foot;   a pocket affixed to a posterior region of the sock and positioned to cover a portions of the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area of a patient wearing the sock; and   a pad sized in relation to the pocket to fit snugly within the pocket, the pad having a hole formed therein and positioned to provide pressure relief in the patient's Achilles' tendon area and/or heel area when the patient is wearing the sock.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the hole is oval in shape. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the pad is formed from gelfoam. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the pad is formed from felt. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the pad is formed from Sorbothane.